Key research areas

(c) UHH

Climate, earth, environment

This key research area investigates the fundamental processes and characteristics of the earth’s system, particularly in climate, marine and biodiversity research. Findings contribute primarily to an understanding of the causes and evolution of climate variability and change and their possible impact. A central part of the key research area is the cluster of excellence “Integrated Climate Sytem Analysis and Prediction” (CliSAP).

Matter and the universe

This key research area investigates light-matter interaction, particularly in photon science and biostructure research, astro and particle physics as well as the interdisciplinary nano-sciences (e.g. nano-magnetism and nano-sciences in medicine). It also has several collaborative research centers and is home to the cluster of excellence “Hamburg Center for Ultrafast Imaging” (CUI).

Neurosciences

Scientists from the fi elds of medicine, psychology and IT work on a broad spectrum of projects in basic and therapy-oriented brain research, with a focus on neuroplasticity, pain, decision and learning processes as well as on stroke and neurodegenerative diseases.

Multilingualism

This key research area investigates migration-based multilingualism in modern urban areas and explores its risks and benefits. It proposes ways to exploit multilingualism to benefit individuals, societies, and the cultural and economic development of urban areas.

Governance

Using an interdisciplinary approach, the fi elds of law, economics and social sciences investigate regulation structures in countries, markets and corporations. Informal processes organized as networks or which supplement or replace formal institutions play a role in these investigations.

Heterogeneity and education

Various types of heterogeneity among students, such as multilingual backgrounds or diff erences in academic performance, create both educational opportunities and challenges. Based on current educational discourse, this key research area investigates opportunities for learning and teaching both within and outside formal institutions of education.

Infection research and structural biology

Infectious diseases are the greatest threat to human health worldwide and have a major economic impact. Universität Hamburg is currently implementing an integrated research focus on “Global and Emerging Infections.” Research addresses various aspects of structural biology, bio-imaging (including highest resolution devices), drug development, and host-pathogen interactions. Two cornerstones of this key research area include the coordination of the new Center for Structural and Systems Biology (CSSB) and participation in the German Center for Infectious Diseases (DZIF).